PODCAST: J.B. Long Breaks Down the NFC West on the Fan Morning Show

Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in action against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on August 28, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Will Seattle suffer a Super Bowl hangover? With their defense…NO. Factor in having the most versatile QB Russell Wilson and his added confidence boost of being a Super Bowl winner, and they will easily begin the year as favorites. Seattle will not however go unchallenged.

Arizona was a surprise last year with a 10-6 record and if they find their groove again with Carson Palmer leading the offense, expect them to rack up big yardage and contend for a Wild Card.

San Francisco will compete with Seattle for the NFC West Division title. Coach Harbaugh and stud QB Colin Kaepernick were the darlings of the division before Pete Carrol and Wilson pulled it together last year. Expect San Fran to lock up a Wild Card or even dethrone Seattle to win the West.

As for St. Louis, they suffered a huge preseason blow having their QB and leader Sam Bradford knocked out for the season with a knee injury. On the positive, they have a young but talented offensive line that’ll no doubt be called upon to protect a new QB, but despite their best efforts, the season will be a long one.